Top Tips To Paint A Room Like A Pro

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While DIYing your home projects can be a lot of fun, you also want it to be as successful as possible. Many homeowners who are starting out with DIY home projects choose to tackle interior painting first. But just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t educate yourself on how to do it properly.

A bad paint job can overshadow your room’s décor and make it look sloppy. If you’re planning a DIY paint project, it’s extremely important that you take all the steps and care needed to have your walls turn out flawlessly. You can paint a room like a pro and here are a few interior painting tips to help.

1. Clean & Inspect

Before you begin any paint project, you should start by inspecting the walls for any damages and cleaning them. Look for dents and cracks in the wall. These should be filled with spackle before you begin your paint project. Any larger repairs may need to be left to a drywall pro.

Cleaning the walls are also an important step to take. By removing dust from the walls, your paint will adhere better. Additionally, it will help you discover any imperfections you may want to be aware of. Use a damp rag to lightly clean the surface.

2. Check The Weather

While you may not think of it, the outdoor weather can have a huge impact on your conditions inside. Rainy and humid days are not the best days to paint as it will take longer for the paint to dry. You’ll also need to open windows if painting inside to allow for better ventilation.

3. Prep The Area

Preparation is key when it comes to any paint project and this includes the surrounding area as well. Cover the floor, furniture and any areas you don’t want to be painted with a tarp. Expect accidents to happen and be overcautious. Remove all outlet covers and use painter’s tape to protect trim if not being painted.

4. Don’t Skimp On Quality

While you might be saving money by doing the work yourself, one place you don’t want to cut corners is the tools you’re using. Choose quality rollers and brushes for your DIY paint project. You will want to have a flat and angled brush as well as rollers with plastic cores. These will hold paint better and apply more evenly.

5. Choose The Best Paint For Your Walls

There are many paint selections available. It can easily be overwhelming. The last thing you’ll want to do is choose a paint finish that takes away from the style of the room. Of course, you want to choose the best paint for your walls. Keep in mind, this is another place you won’t want to skimp on quality. Use a high-quality paint in an eggshell or semi-gloss for the best results.

6. Account For Extra Paint

When painting a room, it’s important to account for all the paint you’ll need, especially if you’re mixing for a specific color. You don’t want to risk going back for more and having it be a shade too light or too dark. You’ll also need to add 10% extra for waste. We can help you figure this out easily with ImproveNet’s Paint Calculator.

7. Paint The Trim First

Many homeowners are not aware of this helpful tip but always paint the trim first. By applying your trim paint first, you can easily cover up any errors you get on the wall. Once the paint has dried thoroughly, use painter's tape to cover-up the trim to avoid any drips or splatters from the wall.

8. Apply Paint Evenly

Streaky paint color is not a look that anyone wants for their home. To avoid paint streaks and lines, paint in the same stroke going from the top of the wall to bottom, overlapping only where paint has not dried yet. This is extremely important in your second coat of color where any mistake has the possibility to stand out.

9. Practice Cutting Your Edges

If you haven’t learned this trick already, cutting an edge when painting can help you cover those hard to reach areas, such as corners or bottoms of the wall. It’s best to do this step before applying paint with a roller. With an angled brush, dip it in your paint bucket about a third of the way. Start with the bristles pointing towards the edge you wish to paint. As you move the brush closer, begin to turn the brush and the bristles will push out along the edge, creating an even stripe of paint.

10. Know When To Contact A Pro

While some homeowners feel they can take on DIY painting projects, homes with multiple rooms that need to get done or more complex interior paint jobs might need the help of a pro. A painter can help you get the job done and your room looking great. The average cost to paint a home interior is $1,679, depending on the size of the room and the amount of space that needs paint.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up a room in your home, a fresh coat of paint might be just what it needs. For smaller rooms, it’s likely a project you can complete in a weekend. However, plan accordingly with these helpful tips!